NJXDG UPDATED 2026 EXAM SCRIPT QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS RATED A+
✔✔Using an instrument intraorally (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Seat and place the pt in the supine
position.
2) Position yourself as the operator.
3) Adjust the dental light to illuminate the oral cavity.
4) Using a pen grasp, pick up the mirror with your nondominant hand and the explorer
with your dominant hand.
5) Instruct your pt to open his/her mouth and turn toward or away from you, depending
on the location of the mouth.
6) Establish a fulcrum close to the area that you will be exploring with your instrument.
7) Adapt the explorer to the most posterior tooth in the upper right quadrant. A well-
adapted instrument prevents damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
8) Follow around the tooth with the mirror and the explorer, and examine all surfaces
through visualization and touch.
✔✔Preparing, placing, and removing the dental dam (EFDA) - ✔✔Patient preparation
1) Check the pt's record for contrainidications, and identify the area to be isolated.
Inform the pt of the need to place a dental dam, and explain the steps involved.
2) Assist the dentist in the administration of local anesthetic. The dentist will determine
which teeth are to be isolated and will note whether any malposed teeth must be
accommodated.
3) Apply lubricating ointment to the pt's lip with a cotton roll or cotton-tipped applicator.
Pt's comfort is a matter of concern throughout placement and removal of the dental
dam.
4) Place yourself in the operator's position, and adjust your pt for easier access.
5) Use the mouth mirror and the explorer to examine the site where the dam is to be
placed. It should be free of plaque and debris. If the dam is placed in an area with
plaque and debris, the dam could push the plaque and debris into the sulcus and irritate
the gingival tissues. If debris and plaque is present, selective coronal polishing is
performed on these teeth before dam is applied.
6) Floss all contacts involved in placement of the dental dam. Any tight contacts may
tear the dam.
Punching the dental dam
7) Use a template or stamp to mark on the dam the teeth to be isolated.
8) Correctly punch the marked dam according to the teeth to be isolated. Be sure to use
the correct size of punch hole for the specific tooth.
9) If teeth have tight contacts, lightly lubricate the holes on the tooth surface
(undersurface) of the dam. This eases placement of dam.
Placing the clamp and the frame
10) Select the correct size of the clamp.
11) Secure the clamp by tying a ligature of dental tape on the bow of the clamp.
,12) Place the beaks of the dental dam forceps into the holes of the clamp. Grasp the
handles of the dental dam forceps, and squeeze to open the clamp. Turn upward, and
allow the
✔✔Assisting in the administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation
(EFDA) - ✔✔1) Seat the pt, update the medical history, and take and record vital signs.
2) Review the use of N2O w pt to eliminate his/her fear.
3) Place the pt in a supine position.
4) Select and place a mask of appropriate size of the tubing.
5) Have the pt put on the mask, and adjust the fit.
6) Tighten the tubing once it is comfortable for the pt (To eliminate the need for the pt to
hold the mask in place and to prevent leakage from around the mask).
7) If the mask pinches or causes discomfort, place a gauze square under the edge.
Administration
8) At the dentist's instructions, begin adjusting the flow meter for O2 flow only. The pt is
given 100 percent O2 for at least 1 minute (to assist the dentist in determining the pt's
tidal volume).
9) At the dentist's direction, adjust N2O flow in increments of 0.5 to 1/L min, and reduce
O2 flow by a corresponding amount. Most machines perform this function automatically.
10) At 1-minute intervals, the previous step is repeated until the dentist determines that
the pt has reached the baseline reading. This slow process minimizes the risk of
administering too much N2O.
11) Note the pt's baseline level.
12) Monitor the pt closely throughout the procedure.
Oxygenation
13) Toward the end of the procedure, N2O is depleted and 100 percent O2 is
administered, as directed by the dentist. Oxygenation of pts for a minimum of 5 minutes
helps prevent diffusion hypoxia, which creates a feeling of light-headedness.
14) After oxygenation is complete, remove the mask. Slowly position the pt upright.
Bringing the pt upright too quickly may cause postural hypotension.
15) Record the pt's baseline levels of N2O and O2 and response during analgesia. This
documentation provides a legal record of care and serves as a reference for future care
and administration of N2O/O2 sedation (analgesia).
16)
✔✔Applying calcium hydroxide (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed. This should be discussed with the dentist.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense small, equal amounts of the catalyst and base paste onto the paper mixing
pad. The area to be covered will be 0.5 to 1 mm, depending on the size of the cavity
preparation.
5) Using a circular motion, quickly mix (10-15 seconds) the material over a small area of
the paper pad with the spatula .
,6) Use gauze to clean the spatula.
7) With the tip of the applicator, pick up a small amount of the material, and apply a thin
layer at the deepest area of the preparation.
8) Use an explorer to remove any material from the enamel before drying.
9) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
10) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying dental varnish (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate with cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Retrieve a new applicator.
5) Open the bottle of varnish, and place the tip of the applicator into the liquid.
6) Replace the cap on the bottle immediately. When varnish is exposed to air,
evaporation causes this liquid to thicken. If it becomes too thick, a thinning agent must
be added.
7) Place a thin coating of the varnish on the walls, floor, and margin of the cavity
preparation. Allow to air dry.
8) Apply a second coat; repeat steps 3 through 6.
9) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
10) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying a desensitizer (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Provided that the tooth and the tissues are not sensitive, rinse the area with water,
but avoid overdrying.
4) With the applicator, apply the desensitizer over all areas of the dentin (to assist w
delivery of the solution to all affected dentinal tubules).
5) Wait 30 seconds; then dry thoroughly (do not rinse).
6) Repeat application if sensitivity has been a problem w the pt.
7) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
8) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing zinc oxide-eugenol cement as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position
yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Measure the powder onto the mixing pad. Replace the cap immediately.
5) Dispense the liquid near the powder on the mixing pad. Replace the cap immediately.
6) Incorporate half the powder into the liquid; mix w the spatula for 20 to 30 seconds.
7) Incorporate the remaining portion into the mixture. Continue mixing for an additional
20 to 30 seconds. The material should be thick and putty-like.
8) Pick up half the material w your spatula, and roll it into a small ball. Do this with the
other portion as well to make the material easier to place into the cavity preparation.
, 9) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it to the
preparation.
10) Use a light tapping stroke to adapt the material into place.
11) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered with the base.
12) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
13) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing zinc phosphate as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as
the operator.
2) Using the mirror and explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate with cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense the powder and the liquid onto the slab. Use the powder-to-liquid ratio
recommended to produce a thick, putty-like mix. This requires more powder in
proportion to the amount of liquid used.
5) Mixed to the desired consistency.
6) Form the completed mix into a small ball.
7) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it into the
preparation.
8) Using a light tapping stroke, adapt the material into place.
9) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered w the base.
10) Have excess powder available for use when the material is condensed into the
tooth. This powder will prevent the instrument from sticking to the material.
11) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
12) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing polycarboxylate cement as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position
yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense the powder and liquid onto the pad. When used for a base, the liquid
portion is decreased to make a thicker consistency.
5) Incorporate all the powder into the liquid , with the total mixing time not to exceed 45
seconds.
6) Form the completed mix into a small ball.
7) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it into the
preparation.
8) Using a light tapping stroke, adapt the material into place.
9) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered with the base.
10) Clean and disinfect the equipment immediately. This cement must set for
approximately 5 minutes before placement of the permanent restoration.
11) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
12) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying an etchant material (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
SOLUTIONS RATED A+
✔✔Using an instrument intraorally (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Seat and place the pt in the supine
position.
2) Position yourself as the operator.
3) Adjust the dental light to illuminate the oral cavity.
4) Using a pen grasp, pick up the mirror with your nondominant hand and the explorer
with your dominant hand.
5) Instruct your pt to open his/her mouth and turn toward or away from you, depending
on the location of the mouth.
6) Establish a fulcrum close to the area that you will be exploring with your instrument.
7) Adapt the explorer to the most posterior tooth in the upper right quadrant. A well-
adapted instrument prevents damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
8) Follow around the tooth with the mirror and the explorer, and examine all surfaces
through visualization and touch.
✔✔Preparing, placing, and removing the dental dam (EFDA) - ✔✔Patient preparation
1) Check the pt's record for contrainidications, and identify the area to be isolated.
Inform the pt of the need to place a dental dam, and explain the steps involved.
2) Assist the dentist in the administration of local anesthetic. The dentist will determine
which teeth are to be isolated and will note whether any malposed teeth must be
accommodated.
3) Apply lubricating ointment to the pt's lip with a cotton roll or cotton-tipped applicator.
Pt's comfort is a matter of concern throughout placement and removal of the dental
dam.
4) Place yourself in the operator's position, and adjust your pt for easier access.
5) Use the mouth mirror and the explorer to examine the site where the dam is to be
placed. It should be free of plaque and debris. If the dam is placed in an area with
plaque and debris, the dam could push the plaque and debris into the sulcus and irritate
the gingival tissues. If debris and plaque is present, selective coronal polishing is
performed on these teeth before dam is applied.
6) Floss all contacts involved in placement of the dental dam. Any tight contacts may
tear the dam.
Punching the dental dam
7) Use a template or stamp to mark on the dam the teeth to be isolated.
8) Correctly punch the marked dam according to the teeth to be isolated. Be sure to use
the correct size of punch hole for the specific tooth.
9) If teeth have tight contacts, lightly lubricate the holes on the tooth surface
(undersurface) of the dam. This eases placement of dam.
Placing the clamp and the frame
10) Select the correct size of the clamp.
11) Secure the clamp by tying a ligature of dental tape on the bow of the clamp.
,12) Place the beaks of the dental dam forceps into the holes of the clamp. Grasp the
handles of the dental dam forceps, and squeeze to open the clamp. Turn upward, and
allow the
✔✔Assisting in the administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation
(EFDA) - ✔✔1) Seat the pt, update the medical history, and take and record vital signs.
2) Review the use of N2O w pt to eliminate his/her fear.
3) Place the pt in a supine position.
4) Select and place a mask of appropriate size of the tubing.
5) Have the pt put on the mask, and adjust the fit.
6) Tighten the tubing once it is comfortable for the pt (To eliminate the need for the pt to
hold the mask in place and to prevent leakage from around the mask).
7) If the mask pinches or causes discomfort, place a gauze square under the edge.
Administration
8) At the dentist's instructions, begin adjusting the flow meter for O2 flow only. The pt is
given 100 percent O2 for at least 1 minute (to assist the dentist in determining the pt's
tidal volume).
9) At the dentist's direction, adjust N2O flow in increments of 0.5 to 1/L min, and reduce
O2 flow by a corresponding amount. Most machines perform this function automatically.
10) At 1-minute intervals, the previous step is repeated until the dentist determines that
the pt has reached the baseline reading. This slow process minimizes the risk of
administering too much N2O.
11) Note the pt's baseline level.
12) Monitor the pt closely throughout the procedure.
Oxygenation
13) Toward the end of the procedure, N2O is depleted and 100 percent O2 is
administered, as directed by the dentist. Oxygenation of pts for a minimum of 5 minutes
helps prevent diffusion hypoxia, which creates a feeling of light-headedness.
14) After oxygenation is complete, remove the mask. Slowly position the pt upright.
Bringing the pt upright too quickly may cause postural hypotension.
15) Record the pt's baseline levels of N2O and O2 and response during analgesia. This
documentation provides a legal record of care and serves as a reference for future care
and administration of N2O/O2 sedation (analgesia).
16)
✔✔Applying calcium hydroxide (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed. This should be discussed with the dentist.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense small, equal amounts of the catalyst and base paste onto the paper mixing
pad. The area to be covered will be 0.5 to 1 mm, depending on the size of the cavity
preparation.
5) Using a circular motion, quickly mix (10-15 seconds) the material over a small area of
the paper pad with the spatula .
,6) Use gauze to clean the spatula.
7) With the tip of the applicator, pick up a small amount of the material, and apply a thin
layer at the deepest area of the preparation.
8) Use an explorer to remove any material from the enamel before drying.
9) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
10) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying dental varnish (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate with cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Retrieve a new applicator.
5) Open the bottle of varnish, and place the tip of the applicator into the liquid.
6) Replace the cap on the bottle immediately. When varnish is exposed to air,
evaporation causes this liquid to thicken. If it becomes too thick, a thinning agent must
be added.
7) Place a thin coating of the varnish on the walls, floor, and margin of the cavity
preparation. Allow to air dry.
8) Apply a second coat; repeat steps 3 through 6.
9) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
10) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying a desensitizer (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Provided that the tooth and the tissues are not sensitive, rinse the area with water,
but avoid overdrying.
4) With the applicator, apply the desensitizer over all areas of the dentin (to assist w
delivery of the solution to all affected dentinal tubules).
5) Wait 30 seconds; then dry thoroughly (do not rinse).
6) Repeat application if sensitivity has been a problem w the pt.
7) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
8) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing zinc oxide-eugenol cement as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position
yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Measure the powder onto the mixing pad. Replace the cap immediately.
5) Dispense the liquid near the powder on the mixing pad. Replace the cap immediately.
6) Incorporate half the powder into the liquid; mix w the spatula for 20 to 30 seconds.
7) Incorporate the remaining portion into the mixture. Continue mixing for an additional
20 to 30 seconds. The material should be thick and putty-like.
8) Pick up half the material w your spatula, and roll it into a small ball. Do this with the
other portion as well to make the material easier to place into the cavity preparation.
, 9) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it to the
preparation.
10) Use a light tapping stroke to adapt the material into place.
11) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered with the base.
12) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
13) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing zinc phosphate as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as
the operator.
2) Using the mirror and explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate with cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense the powder and the liquid onto the slab. Use the powder-to-liquid ratio
recommended to produce a thick, putty-like mix. This requires more powder in
proportion to the amount of liquid used.
5) Mixed to the desired consistency.
6) Form the completed mix into a small ball.
7) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it into the
preparation.
8) Using a light tapping stroke, adapt the material into place.
9) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered w the base.
10) Have excess powder available for use when the material is condensed into the
tooth. This powder will prevent the instrument from sticking to the material.
11) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
12) Document the procedure.
✔✔Mixing and placing polycarboxylate cement as a base (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position
yourself as the operator.
2) Using the mirror and the explorer, examine the cavity outline of the preparation, and
determine where the material is to be placed.
3) Rinse and dry the preparation, and isolate w cotton rolls or dental dam.
4) Dispense the powder and liquid onto the pad. When used for a base, the liquid
portion is decreased to make a thicker consistency.
5) Incorporate all the powder into the liquid , with the total mixing time not to exceed 45
seconds.
6) Form the completed mix into a small ball.
7) Pick up the material by placing the condenser into the material; then carry it into the
preparation.
8) Using a light tapping stroke, adapt the material into place.
9) Ensure that the entire pulpal floor is covered with the base.
10) Clean and disinfect the equipment immediately. This cement must set for
approximately 5 minutes before placement of the permanent restoration.
11) Have the dentist evaluate your skills.
12) Document the procedure.
✔✔Applying an etchant material (EFDA) - ✔✔1) Position yourself as the operator.
